Teenagers need their families just as children of other ages need families. Some of the needs are the same and some are different. One of the common needs is the one for love and security. Children and teenagers living in foster care know that they need that unique and unconditional love of a permanent family.

One teenage boy named Mowanza lives in foster care and longs for a family to call his own.

Mowanza, whose nickname is "Mo," hopes that he will be adopted soon. Krista McCulloch of the Children’s Home Society of Virginia states that, "He feels he is ready to become a part of a family and is active in the adoption process."

Mo does well in school where he excels in his studies and receives good grades. McCulloch points out "he is successful in school and has great goals for the future." Mo is not fond of math and says that his favorite subject is English. Upon finishing his education, he wants to pursue a career in law enforcement and hopes to eventually become a state trooper.

This 16-year-old keeps busy with many different activities. Mo loves running and swimming. Recently, he joined his school’s swim team. Mo also enjoys reading inspirational Christian literature. He likes attending church services regularly and is active in his church community and youth group.

"Mowanza’s smile is contagious and he is polite, mannerly and has a very sweet disposition," comments McCulloch. She also says, "Mowanza is an incredible young man who has so much potential."

While Mo has potential and drive, he needs a family to guide him and to help him reach his fullest potential. McCulloch believes "Mo would benefit from a family that will be there to encourage him, support him and teach him the necessary tools he will need in life to achieve his goals." Mo would thrive in an environment where the atmosphere is calm, quiet and positive. He would also do well in a family that’s well organized. Mo would prefer to be the only child in a family.

If you are in a position to help Mo and would like more information regarding adopting him or other older children awaiting adoption, contact Laura Ash-Brackley with Children’s Home Society’ s Partnership for Adoptions program at (804) 353-0191. The Web site at www.chsva.org also provides additional information. RPM